Aortic Disease

What is Aortic Disease?

Aortic disease is the weakening of the walls of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of aortic disease, preventative steps, and the treatments we offer to help get you back to normal life.

Causes Of Aortic Disease

Aortic Disease can be brought on when certain conditions and/or trauma weaken the aorta. The weakening of the walls of the aorta may lead to aortic aneurysm (bulging) or, in severe cases, dissection (tearing). Aortic aneurysms can occur in the chest (thoracic) or abdomen (abdominal) depending on which part of the blood vessel is affected.

High blood pressure, atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries), genetic conditions, disorders and injury may lead to weakening, causing aortic disease. It’s important to learn the signs and symptoms to determine severity and work with your provider to understand your risk factors.

Signs & Symptoms Of Aortic Disease

Aortic disease can vary in its severity, so symptoms can range from mild discomfort to acute pain. As an aortic aneurysm grows, individuals may notice the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or tenderness
• Back pain
• Hoarseness
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

More severe aortic aneurysms may tear or rupture. If you experience the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Sharp, sudden pain in your upper back that radiates downward
• Pain in the chest, jaw, neck, or arms
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (or other signs of a stroke)

Risk Factors

Various risk factors or other conditions may contribute to the risk of developing aortic disease, including:

• Age
• Tobacco use
• Atherosclerosis (arterial plaque buildup)
• Hypertension
• Family history
• Genetic conditions (such as Marfan Syndrome)
• Connective tissue disorders
• Aortic valve problems
• Untreated infection
• Injury

Prevention Of Aortic Disease

While not all causes of aortic disease can be prevented, the following steps can help reduce your risk:

• Get plenty of exercise (30+ minutes five days a week)
• Stop smoking or using tobacco
• Eat a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fat
• Maintain good blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Monitor blood pressure

Complications Of Aortic Disease

If left untreated, aortic disease may cause blood clots, stroke, heart failure or heart rhythm problems, and in severe cases, death due to sudden cardiac arrest. Screening and early diagnosis are the best way to determine appropriate treatment.

Treatment Of Aortic Disease

Vascular & Interventional Specialists offers treatment options for aortic disease, including:

• Endovascular stent graft — A small stent is inserted via catheter into the affected area to reinforce the walls of the aorta and prevent further dilation or rupture
• Surgical treatment — In more severe cases, endovascular surgical procedures may be performed including bypass or replacement of part of the aorta
• Watchful waiting — In mild cases, annual imaging scans may be all that is needed to monitor the condition

Take the First Step

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we are committed to providing innovative, minimally invasive treatments to help you live your best life.

Contact us today or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule your consultation.

If you experience emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately.